Sorting-machine.



Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

H SHEETS-SHEE' I J R PEIRCE SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATiON FILED-JULY 21. 1911.

WES s:

Ni k

v J. R PEIRCE,

SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21.1911.

Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

1 I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

\f/ anon @gifl/bfi 7 v BY f @monuq H SHEETS-SHEET 3.

J. R. PEIRCE.

SURTING MAGH|NE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 21.1911.

WITNESSES J. H. PEIRCE.

SURTING MACHINE.

APPLICATlON FILED JULY 21.1911.

n SHEET-SHEET 4.

J. R. PEIRCEQ. Somme MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 27.191].

Iatented Mar. 20, 1917.

moooomono UOO \\ NHNSAN? ENG:

. WITNESSES Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

H SHEETS-SHEET 7.

INVENTOR/G W H-fauna 1. n. PEIRCE.

somma MACHINE. v

APPLICATION FILED JULY 27' 19H.

Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

1. 3. Hawaii. SORTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FlLED .IULYZI. 19H.

. 1 Scbe duk Dale [/mss 550 621027 10 22123 6 W/HDNESSBB Patented Mar.20, 1917;

n SHEETS-SEEN 9.

Patented Mar. 20,1911,

F C Du E DI um I SORTING MACHINE Ag'PLlcATloN FILED JULY 21.19ll.

.I. R. PEIRCE.

SOHTI'NG MACHINE. APPLICATION man JULY '21. I91].

.1 Patented Mar. 20, 1917 H SHEETS-SHEET ll- INVENTOR 1 W n M: I B 7 Q'7 w Ml,

nificntion may he of any character. such an by departments indcparti'ncnt stoms or "UNITEDI'STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN T011, 1;, 1 i

for distributing rapidly and surely. poi,

fornted cards of different classes. The clasothcr commercialcccijmnting, hy cg or years in keeping life inenrancc statistics, orbvkmcls of work in keeping factory costs.

duach card represents an item or Set'of .itcms to be accounted for andeach curd is chisci- .& F I fied and 1S pynched in one way or anotheraccording to the classin which it belongs.

Preferably the classes are di. inguisi'icd, by

perforating the cards in. variouscombinations of thc pcrforaiiion-sphcesFmvided.

The cards i'c placed. in indiscriminate order in a. receiving pockct ormagazine. A line of sorting pockctsis provided, one for each class ofcards, (and. preferably a cup 'ilemcntary one for cards which do not fitany of the classes provided for). The machine tekcs the cards insuccession from tho magazine and passes them along the line. As'cachcard reaci'ics its pocket it is slipped into the same. Each sortingpocket, (except the. sopplemcntary one.) has a sorting mechanisi'n whichselects and slips into the pocket such cards nshelong there but: whichis without action on othercnrds, ul-

lowing these to pace freely to tho next pocket. Thu-4 the machine takenone card from the ma 'azmc at each 0 JMBIOH and thc curds lire sortcdct, the $611110 'ratc (63b.

' cept for a few which may have to take additionnl .steps along, the.line after the maga- Zinc is exhausted);

Fignre 1, is a. perspective of a complete mnchinc, duplicaic parts inthc center being omitted.

Fig. 2, a. similar plan, partly in secthfi, with the. casing removed andon a. larger scale. 7

Figs. 2 and 2, are details of Fig. 2 in (.lifi'ercnt positions. i

Fig. 3, a horizi'mta'l suction of a portion of Fig. 2, on a lower plane.1

Fig. 4, a. diagrammatic plan of a'inuchine having ten sorting pockets.

lpeclflcation of Letters Patent.

Patente i1 Mar. 20, 1911.

Application filed July 27, 1911. Serial No. 840,937.

Fig. 5. a vertical sectii n on the line 5--5 Figs. 7, 8 nd 5),planviews, enlarged, of.

the cscapement mcchanisz n of Fig. 3, in dif-- ferent pocitions.

Fig. 10., a front elevation of'the adjustable connection of Fig.

Fig. 11, atransverse \ertical scction, on it larger. scale, approximutely on the line 11-11 of Fig. 2. i

Fig. 12, a face view (f a. style of card which may he horted by themachine.

Fig. 13, :1 transverse ve 'tical section, on a hirgcr scale, approximateiy on the line 13, Fig. 2.

Fig. .13., a. dctail in trai'isvcl'sc section, of Fig. 1:3.

Fig. 14, :in elevation of the right hand end of the machine, omittingthe adjusting knob.

Fig. 15, a transverse vertical section, on

u larger calqnpproximitely on the line Fig. 16,":1 table of suitiblecombinations of perforated spaces.

19g 17, a table explaining the order of arrangement -01 the pockets.

Fig. 18, a horizontal section approximatcly on tin: line 18--1Wof Fig.1.1.

Fig. 18. is :1 detail of Fig. 18 in another position, of the parts..

Figlil, a horizontalsection HPPI'UXL mntciy on thexline 19-49 of Fig.11.

.Fi'g. 20, a. 'vertical secaion on thc'line.

20-20 of Fig. 19.- i

Fi 21, a horizontal seztion on the line 21 0 Fig. 11. Fig. 22, avertical Section 22% of Fi 21.

Figs. 23, 24 and 25, :1 re diagrammatic 'YiBW-S of the clip of Fig. 1 iin different positions.

Fig. 26, a side elcvafion of a. pocketshowing the mechanism ior'stipping the cards which do not enter the pm ket.

Fig. .27 Fig. 9.

on the line a perspective vicw of adetail of- Rcferring now to the"embodiment of the mism. The cards be and have one beveled corner asshown in Fig. 12 to insure their being placed upright. and properlyfaced in the magazine. The pockets I) receive the sorted cards and arenumbered toms and the lower edges of the sides of the pockets, as shownin Figs. i, 5 and 11. The

foremost card in the magazine A is shifted slightly to the right by theshouldered reciprocating part E, Figs. 2 and fi which is connected by alink 47 to an eccentric 4:7".v

Clips Fmove backward as the part E moves forward. The card advanced bythe part E is seized at the top and bottom of its forward edge by thefirst set of clips F and carried to the first selecting position, backof the dummy. pocket D ()n the next back.- ward movement the second pairof clips F seizes the same card. As these clips advance to the rightthey are controlled by the selecting mechanism for the first sortingpocket (No. 7) and are either shifted laterally or held in line, so thatwhen the clips advance to the right the card is either sorted in thefirst sorting pocket or carried to sorting position for the next pocket;where the same selecting process is repeated; all the clips 1* beingadvanced to shift the card, farther advanced to slip off the card,shifted laterally out of the plane of the card, opened and retrattcd toposition to engage the next card and closed to grip the same, and eachforward movement being sufficiently long to M carry 'the card intoposition for engagement by the next clip when the latter is retracted.The card B runs normally between a fixed front wall (it of the machine(Fig. 11) and fixed inner walls I] of the several/pockets which areperforated at all spaces, see Fig. 5, to permit the passage of anycombination of pins; the pockets being provided with rooves in which arefriction .springs J i (Fig. 11) pressing the. card against the wall Urto prevent the card. from bounding backward when the machine is operatedrapidly. The card rests on a bottom plate of the several pockets and itsupper edge is guided by a plate K which is hingedat L so that it may beraised to admit the operators fingers for lifting out a stack of cardsor adjusting a single card.

The mechanism of the clips is best illustrated in Figs. 11, 19 and 20.The clip F grips the edge f the card B against an abutmcnt M, being aflange on the end of a tube N; The clip is pivotedat O and has an arm lBgltween the arm P and the clip is the oval-head Q of a shaft R, theoppos'te end of which is screw-threaded in an ext nsion of the tube ig.24) the clip drags the card forward at the same time holding its edgeoutward sufficiently to cause it to pass through the vertical slit inthe corner of the pocket D and outside of the wall H so as to enter thepocket. In the inner position of the tube (Fig. 25) the clip hasreleased the card and is moving backward in a path at the rear of theedge of the will (i so as not to interfere with the card ii. The clipstherefore have three kinds of movement, a longitudinal reciprm-ation. atransverse movement, and an ruvening or closing move ment.

For effecting their longitudinal movement a carriage U is provided, towhich the several tubes S are connected, being in fact integraltherewith; this carriage being held between guides V and W at top andbottom and bemg connected to a link X (Fig. 2) which is connected at itsopposite end to a crank pin Yon a continuously rotating wheel Z.

The opening and closing of the clip is effected by turning the shaft R,as previously stated. Each shaft is provided at its rear end with twoarms (Fig. 20). The short arm a is connected to a spring I) attached toa part of the carriage U and tending always to turn the shaft R in adirection to close the clip. A second, longer arm 0 serves by striking apin d in the last part of the retractile movement of the carriage toturn the shaft R in the opposite direction so as to open the clip andpermit the edge of the card to enter it; after which the arm 0 passesover the pin d and the s ring again closes the cli The position 0 thearm 0 before it stri es the pin d is indicated in dotted lines. Topermit the following forward movement of the clip the pin d is drawnback out of the path of the arm 0. Thus the v on the card being slight.\Vherea card does not enter a pocket it is stoppedat a correspondmgpoint by means of a slide e (Figs.

.56 for any card. (airrespoml to the selecting 'mechafinlsm the clip andthe forward edge of 18, and 26) which is inter iosed in front of itsedge. The inner wall of the pocket is fastened tol 'the forward side I)of the pocket by overlap fiing ears f, Fig. 26, betweenwhich the slide eis located. Aheaded pin (1 projects from. the side of the pocket,

passing through a slot in the slide c and thus chine so as to stop theneltt card. When the arm I: swings back it strikes a pinm on the slideand withdraws the latter. The arms 7:; are all mounted on the shaft land are swung forward by a cam acting torock the shaft and. are pulledbackward by s 'irings 1a The shaft l (Figs. 5, 5 and 13) is providedwith an arm 0 having a'roller on its end running against the edge of arotating cam 1; being held up against the cam by the. several springs72..

The advance and withdrawal of the pins (Z which open the clips isell'ected as follows. The pins are guided in. the fixed rear wall '9Fig. i1) and extensions r thereof and are pivotally conneetedpwith theends of arms 8 on rock shafts 6 running longitudinally. The shafts t are rocked (Figs. 2, 2'1 and 5) by means of arms in that on the uppershaft 1' pioiecting forward and that on the lower shaft real-mirthconnected by links '1; with arms or on a cross shaft, having an arm "4the end of which held. up against a cam 2 by means of a spring 30. Seedotted lines Fig The rain 2 at each revollition presses the arm 3 downto rock the shafts t in the dirmztions to throw the pins at in the pathsof the arms 1: to cause the thinning of the clips, and then. (as soon asthe arms o have ridden over the pins and the clips have caught the cais) releasisas the arm 7/ which is drawn upward by its spring aml causesthe \vitl'uilrawal of the pins d to permit the forward passage of thearms c.

The movement of each closed. clip transversel y of the machine to theouter position; Fig. i l, is controllei l by the selecting perforationsof the card. If these perfm'ations,

the card are shifted outward to cause the card to enter the pocket asexplained in com n ection with F All, and 25. "Each of. the tubes Nhashosses'ill oiftop and hiittom.

i I forlnedas parts of the almti'l'umt, or fixed jaw M which is fastenrdon the end of the tube N,Sfl1til bosses sliding in ci'irrospondn'igslots 31 in the outer tube t5, eatemlmg lcngthhen the arm kwise ofsaidtube, and. on these bosses are carried.antifriction rollers 48 and63 hereinbelow referred to which are engaged by cams during the lerigit'udinal reciprocation of the tubes, so that. by modifying thep0Bi-' tions of the cams the desired transverse movements are give n tothe tubes N and the clips carried thereby.

he inner sets of cams cause the selecting movement of the clips to theposition 0! Fig.1?

24: and are controlled by stops located onthe opposite -ends ofye rticalshafts 32 (Fig.7,

8, 9,11 and 18) p1 added. with oblique arms 33 on which arepins 34engaged by the1 edges of plates 35 mounted onarms loose on" a shaft 36and pressed backward by a light spring 36'. Each 1: late 35 also earriesn-pin 37 which bears agiinst a plate or arm 38 which is loose on th I:end of a shaft 39 which, p I as as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, carries a.plate 40 with slots in its free edge embracing,"

feeling pins 41 which have collars on opposite sides of the plate so asto mowe with the plate. The pins p 'oject through the front wall. (l ofthen'iachine and are carried'in a f box 42 which-1s mointed on saidfront Wall.

0n the upper end of'each shaft is fixedly mounted a so an arm 43. Theshaft 36 is mounted on thehon: 42, and the box is fixed on the frontwall (.1 so that the box and the pins, plates and other movable partsconnected thereto are adjustable. lengthwise with the front wall G ashereinafter described to cause the selecting mechanism to before theclips talie hold of thecards and heing'sl'iifted back to the rightimmediately thereafter to withdraw any pins from the card; before theclips are advanced. Vhen the pins find corresponding perforations in thecard the lrmse a 'm 38 is swung to the left,

and releases the'piu 37 and allows the plate N 35 to swing forward andthis allows the arm 33 to swing torwm'd and the shaft-32 to turnaccordingly, which determines the selerting movement of the clips, ashereinafter described.

The movements of the arm 38 are controlled by thearm 4-3 and the pin 37.The

arm 43 pulled to the left by a spring 47 and hears against 1. pin 46' onthe loose arm 38. 'lhe pin 46 is l elow the resetter .45 so as not to beaffected d rectly thereby. The arm .43 carries a pin 4? hearing againstthe right hand face ofthe resetter is and holding the arm 43 normally inthe position of Fig. 18. \Vhen the resetter 45 moves to the left the arm43 is released. If the feeling pins do not findproper holes in the card,however,

the shaft'39 and the arm 43 fixed thereon f The return of the resetterto the position of Fig. 15 restores the arm 43 and pins to theiroriginal position. The pin 37, however, prevents the return of the loosearm'38 and the shaft remains as in F ig. 18 in position to cause anoutward movement of the clip,

this position continuing after the resetting of the arm 43 and untilnearly the end of the forward stroke of the clip. The interposed arm 43therefore acts only mon'lcntarily on the loose arm 38, while the latteracts on the clips during substantially the whole of their forwardmovement. Near the end of the forward movement of the clip the shaft 32is turned back, withdrawing the pin 37 from the path of the'loose arm 38so that the spring 62 restores the latter to its normal position, all.as hereinafter described in connection with Figs. 7, 8 and 9.

The movement of the rod 44 to the right is effected by means of a strongspring 57 (Fig. 5) pulling upward on an arm 57 on a short cross shaft 57which has an arm 57 the upper end of which transmits movement to the rod44. The connection between the arm 57 and the rod 44 is shown in Figs.2, 10, 13 and 13. A cross bar 57 slides on a supporting shaft 57 and hasa notched end engaging one of the grooves in a long collar 57 fixed onthe left hand end of the rod 44.

' The arm 57 bears upward on a cam 57 the larger radius of which movesthe arm 57* backward, and with it the rod 44, the distance necessary toeflect the release of the selecting pins. The smaller radius of the camallows the spring 57 to shift the rod 44 to the right, this smallerradius of the cam continuing operative until near the end of the forwardmovement of the cards.

The front wall G of the machine carrying the boxes of feeling pins andconnected parts is adjusted longitudinally so'that the position of thepins relatively to the widthof thecard may be adjusted; so that, forexample, the selecting section of the card may be either at the right,as in Fig. 12, or at any other point in its width. The adjustment of thewall is effected by means of a screw G (Figs. 2 and 5) fixed at -its endagainst longitudinal movement but rota- [ing the desired adjustment thelever it must table by means of a button G and threaded through a nut Gattached to the right hand endof the sliding wall G.

In order to preserve the proper relation of the resetting devices 45,the rod 44 on which they are mounted isadjusted with the front wall G,being fastened thereto as shown at the right of Fig.2 with a spring47for per mitting the necessary releasing and resetting movements.

W'hen the front wall G and rod 44 are to be adjusted the movement mustcorrespond to the distance between successive columns on the card, or toa multiple of this distance. For this purpose .thecollar 57 on the rod44 is provided with transverse grooves which are spaced apart a distancecorresponding to that between columns on the card. For this adjustmentthe cross bar 57 must be lifted out of its notch on the collar 57. On 85the right hand end of the machine there is provided means forcontrolling the adjustment. See Figs. 10, 13 and 14. The mole shaft (Zruns along the back of the machine and carries at its left hand end anarm (I at the lower end of which is a. pin (5 bearing on the end of anarm cl which is-in one piece with the cross bar 57. The rock-shaft d" atthe right hand end of the machine is connected by an arm d and link d"with a controlling lever (l The link d is also con nected with a pawl dadapted to engage a notch in a. disk d fixed on the screw G. Now, inorder to turn the screw G for effect 10c be pulled forward. Thisreleases the screw G and releases the connection of the cross bar 57with the rod 44. The screw G may then be turned to adjust the pin boxesand I the rod 44 one two or more steps, each revo- 1o." lution of thescrew corresponding to one step.' When the desired amount of adjustmenthas been effected the pawl r17" slips into the notch of the disk d, thespring (Al i holding it there and also swinging the rock-shaft d in theproper direction to I ermit re'ngagement of the cross bar I. with thenotched collar on the rod 44.

Of the stops on the ends of the shaft 32,, the upper set is shown,together with the 1;; corresponding cams in Figs. 3, T, 8 and 9. Thelower stops and cams are identical with the upper ones. The cam rolleror projection on the inner side of the boss 31 of the sliding tube. ofthe clip is indicated at 48. The limits of its backward and forwardmovements respectively are indicated at 48 and 48 in Fig. 3. Thus ineach movement it passes over parts of two adjacent groups of cams.

Fig. 7 shows the roller 48 at the rear end of its movement. On strikingthe end of the lever 49 vhich is pivoted at 50, it has turned this lvervtill its pin 51 has struck the rear edge of the cam lever 52,pivoted at 130 49 holds the plate normally -is locked in this position(as in Fi hr pocket.

53, and has swun the' cain lever outward into'the path o'f-te renewrmaccam 52 J .7) then on the return of: the roller it is shi ed'trunsverselyand follows the nth indicated by the; dottedline, thus shi ting the clipand the forward edge of the card to cause the latter to cute :lt pocket.This locking of the chm 5'2 takes place only when a card has be nselected however, (as in Fig. 9) the cam 52 is not "locked then theforward moveto shift the pawl to its operative ment of the roller 48first releases the lever 49 and then presses the ram roller following astraight path as indirated bv the dottf-d line.

At the end of a forward movement Fig. 8)' the roller is passing the cam52 of the next forward pocket and is made to'restore the same to itsinner position (if it is found in the locked position of Fig. 7) bystriking the lever 49 and turning it to the right. This movement causesthe lever 49 to strike the tail'offth'e plate 54. which is fixed onshaft .32, and to turn 'this'plate until its pin engages the tail 56(loose on the shaft latter out of the way, to be swung back toinoperative position by its spring .57. The spring 58 of the plate 32)and swings the sitions of Figs. T and 8 so that it may be engaged by aroller 48 coming from either direction.

Fig. 7, 'tl'ierefore, represents the selecting or operative position oftheparts. and Fig.

9 tl'lfilIlUPQliltlVE position; the difference be ing that in Fig. 7 thepawl 56 has sprung into position to hold 11f! cam outward andin Fig. 9it has not done so. 'lhe pawl 56 being controlled by the plate 54 on theshaft it follows that thc release of the shaft is necessarv in order topermit the spring 59 to swing the plate .34 totlupositiunof Fig. T so asto permit the spring '0 7 position and to cause the sorting of the card.The )in 61 is a stop to prevent the cam 52 and plate 49 fromheing'thrown too'l'm back when they are struck quickly by the roller 48.in Fig. 8. a f

'hen the shaft 32 is turned back as in Fig. 8 the pressureof the pins 34on the plate 35 is relieved andthe plate pressed back by its'spring 36(Fig. 11 the loose arms 'swingingback plate 49 and restore the cams frlto their .rear {)OffilflffnS to prevent them from inter .tu'bes N carry,

the mechanism of a particu- 52 back. (he

of the locking pawl allowing the ram 5'3 pushes the rol er between thepotime pushes the faring with the return movement of the clips androllers 48. For securing a positive inward shift of the clips at the be-inning of their return, rollers 63 are use as hereinbelow described.

The bosses 3. on the top of the upper clip tam rollers 63 which areacted on by cams in a plane above the clips, these cams being shown inFigs. 2, 2 and-2". The 7 same mechanis n is repeated at the undersideofthe lower set of clips. The cams are piv oted to the fired top andbottom walls of the casing and serve to throw the clips to their middleor non-sorting position just before they engage a card, and to theirrearmost position just before their emptyreturn movemeit. After beingset in their middle positit n and engaging a card; the throwing of Iheclips farther forward to sort the card is effected by the cams of Fig. 3as pre iously explained. The cums forthe middle and reurmost positionsact on the rollers 33. In Fig. '2 the extreme retracted PUSltltll of aroller is shown at 63; and in Fig. 2" the extremesulvanced position ofthe same roller at 63". There are two types of cams. ashort rocking cam(34 which (and its (:lip) forward and a long cam 35. statir'mary when inoperation, which pulls t 1e roller and its clip back to the rear. Themovement ofthe clips is son'iewhat grtater than the space between twoSlltfCfiSSlYl clips (the range bcing indicated by +8 a 1d 48* in Fig. 3)so that at the rearward end of its movement (Fig. 2.) the roller isactec on by the short cam'of one group. and at the forward end of itsmove ment by the long cam of the next group ,to the right.

Near the end of the rearward movement theroller ii) strikesa shoulder on,the cam (34 and turns the cam back which at the same roller outward.'The roller however doc not pass beyond the end of the long can] if; andthe latter is without effect.

Near the end of the advancing movement the roller str kcs the rear edgeof the long cam 35. whic l held by its spring against i a stop pin. arid the roller is thus forced to the rear.

'1! e roller does not pass beyond the endof tl e short cam 04 and thelatter a is without eil' act. I

'l he operatIon of the several sub-combina- (10125 of mec mn sm havingbeen des ribed,

will now be lesr'ribed. faced and in upright position arc stacked in.the magaziru and the innern'iost card is pressed "rgainstthe reiprocating slide E by the weight-o)erated slide (I. The shaft Zrarrving'the wheel Z and various cams is rotated contnurmsl v in thedircctirm indirated hv the arrow in Fig. 5. \Yitlnhw n from the positionof Fig, 2 w.

'lheslidc lis 1 1:10

the operation of the machine as a whole,

'l he 'cards properly a ward the left until its shoulder passes the card15 to the first selecting position.

hold the card.

rear edge of the foremost card and is then I'Ctlll'llfitl to theposition indicated, carrying the foremost card with it to a polnt wherethe right hand edge of the card may be engaged by the first of the clipsF. While the card is being ad raneed by theslide E the clips are beingretracted toward the left by means of the crank pin Y and .link X. Justbefore reaching the card theshaft of each .clip is rocked by its arm 1:striking its pin (1 I the first pair of clips F so that there are nocards carried into the dummy pocket I); they are merely carried forwardand left stationary between the inner wall G of the pocketD' and thefixed wall of the machine so as to .be readily tested by the selectingmechanism corresponding to the next clips F. After the firstpair ofclips F has car ried the. card to its first selecting position the cardis stopped by the stop 6] of the dnmmypocket I). The 'eli s continuetheir movement to the right, sli ing oil the edge of the card, and theirrollers, 63 hearing against the rear edgesof the long earns 65 so astothrowthe clips inward (as in Fig' devices 45 to the left.

25). The crank pin then carries the clips back inthe left handdirection.

The second pair of clips F has partaken of the same movements asdescribed for the first pair. of the card above referred to, in linewith the dummy pocket I), the clips are pushed out to the middlepositionand opened and by their continued backward movement forced .toembrace the. edge of the card. During the backward ncrement of the clipsthe cam 57' (Fig. 5). actuatesthe'arm 57,

to shift the rod 44 and the several-resetting Thus the vertical shaft 39is released and the feeling pins 41 are freed in time to enter theselecting per- I end ofthe'rearwardstroke.

forations (B, Fig. 12) as soon-as they come in register therewith, whichis at the therearward stroke also the cam 57' releases the resetters andthe spring 57* returns the rod and resetters to theirright The resetters4.5 strike pins 47 (Fig. 18) on'the arms 43 fixed; on the ends of theshafts 39 which carry the plates 40 (Fig.21), so that said platesareswung inward andwithdrawthe feeling pins if Just before it reaches theedge At theend of the latter have-entered the holes in the card. If thefeeling pins did not find-correspond ing holes in the card to enter thenthe plates 40 could not move outwardjand, .notwi th standing Iheshaft3.) was releasedfrom the resetter, t iere was no rocking of theshaft 39 and no action upon the clip, and the card moves straightforward to selecting position for the next pocket. that is to saybetween the inner wall H of the first pocket I) and the fixed front wallG of the machine. i

If, however, the feeling pins found corre sponding perforations in thecard in question they were pulled into it by the spring 47 (Fig. 18)acting on the fixed arm 43 on the end of the shaft 39, and pulledthe'loose arm 38 tothe left, allowing the plate 35 to swing intoposition in rear of the arm 38; the subsequent resetting of the arm 43by the resetter 45 having no effect on the parts 38 and 35, but onlyreleasing the arm 38 so as to permit it to swing backward when the plate35 is restrired to its normal position.. The forward movement of theplate 35"releases the arm 33 and permits the shaft to mm which it doesunder the influence of .its spring'59 (Fig. 7). The spring 59, it willbe remembered, acts on the plate 54 which is fixed on the end of thesh'aft 32. When the shaft 32 is held from swinging the plate 54 is inthe position of Fig. 8.

, When the shaft is released; as described,

similar movement of the loose locking. pawl 56 so that the long cam 52is held in positionof Fig. 7. The several actions just do scribed takeplace while the clip'is at or near the end of its rearward movement onthe left so that when it commences to move to the right it finds the cam52 locked forward so that the clip. is deflected forward from its middleposition' The card is thus guided "into the slot in the corner of thefirst.sorting box D, and its movement is stopped by the right hand wallof the box. The movement of the clip continues, sliding the latter offthe edge of the cardg-afte'r which the clip is engagedby the mechanismof. Fig. 2as previously described and shiftedto its in ermost positionso as it. return movement. Each card cessive selecting positions, testedby the to pass the card onv asses in succession to the, sucfeeling pinscorresponding to its positionand-is sorted into the next pocket orpassed. along to the next select'mg position until'fit does finally finditsappropri'ate pocket- .If

the cards are of a greater number of classifications than are to besorted hv' the aria;-

chinethe'n the unsorted cards allfihd themselves in the final pocket D(Fig. 4'). For example, the machineillustrat'ed is designed for nineclassesf If the cards are often chine illustrated a suitable table ofcombina-.

tions is shown in Fig. 16. For each numher or class there is a column offour perforation spaces. Each column is perforated in one ,'two or threespaces, a different combination being used, of course, for each number.

. If the first selecting mechanism encountered by the card in itssuccessive steps had only a single feeling pin. such pin might find acorresponding perforation in any one of four different classes of cards.Similarly, if the first selectin mechanism had only two feeling pinsitmight also find corresponding perforations in two different classes ofcards. It is necessary, therefore, with this system, that the selectingmechanism having the smaller number of feeling pins be arranged V tomeet the card after the selecting mechafmsm having a larger number offeehng pins. 'l'herefore, the selecting mechanisms for the severalnumbers should be arranged in the i'gram, Fig. 4, or in some otherarrangement order indicated in Fig. 17 and in the diain which theselecting i'ncchanisms having the smaller number of pins come afterthose having the larger number.

The construction and location of the pockets are advantageous. Thepockets are open-topped and are located at points which are entirelyclear of the mechanism and the cards, being upright therein, can bereadily inspected" while in the pockets and readily removed tl'ierefrom.The machine'is also adapted to accommodate cards of different widths andheights and with tabs on their edges. The cards being seized only attheir forward edges, their rear edges are free so thatthev may he of anydesired width. By

raising the swinging part of the cover cards of any-desired height maybe operated on; For the smile reasons the rear and upper edges of thecards may be of any desired shape. for example with classification tabsat various points along the edges of different cards. Instead of actualpocketsthe cards may be delivered mcrel v to differentparts of a tablewhich may be called delivering stations. The fact that these stationsare sill)- stantially or a 'i n'oxii'nately at the same level andthatthe cards are distributed thereto in upright positions makes thework of the oporator or attendantas easy and simple as possible.

Economy of construction and accuracy of operation is secured by mountingthe clips and tlH' miarhanism innu-diatcly connwtei'l lhercwith'. whi hmay be called the distributing mechanism. upon a single reciprocatingrurriagr-{as described. the movement of which transmits to :lnclips thecontrol of the selecting niurliunisnis.

Though I have des ribed with great particularity of detail a :pccifirembodiment of the invention )t'i'. it i.- not to be understood 75therefrom that the in 'cntion is ri-stric-M the particular (-mbodiIH'llt dcscrilu-d. i ous n'iorlifications tlu-lct'orc in detail and" in.tluarrangementand in the combination of the pa rt.-: nnrv be nnuhIrvthosc skilled in the 6;

art without lli'IHll'llll" from the invention.

()thrr schemes. for ex: mple may be provided for causing a selectedraard tocnter its pocket, such as the shifting of the back of the pocketto a point behind the card, instead of shiftmg the ard to a poll tforward of the back of the pocket.

"hat I laim is:

:1. A machii'icof the class described including in combination, a clip,means for causing said clip to engage and forward vai'rls along a lineand incans for shifting said clip laterally tr throw selected cardsoutof said line.

A i'nachine of the class described'ineluding in combinat on, a series ofclips, means for causing said clips to engage and forward cards along aline and means for shifting said clips lat rally to throw selected cardsout of said line, and pockets adjacent to said line adapted to-receivethe cards which are so thrown out.

3. A machine ofthr class described includ-' ing incombination, a seriesof clips arranged along a line, means for advancing and retracting saidclips, 1. leans for causing said v lips in their retracted positions toengage cards, means for i hifling said clips outward on their advance moremcnt when cards are to be sorted and in order to throw out theselected cards and n cans for shifting said clips inward on theirrtractilc movement t-o' pass the cards without interference.

4. A machine of the class .described including in co1nbin'atim,'a seriesof'rlips'arranged along a line means for advancing and retracting saidclips, means for causing said clips in their relracted positions toengage cards, means at ting at each oliera-tion to move the clips outward to the normal line before an ad Vance movement and inward to therear of said line l efore a rctractile in c ment and means acti igwhen acard is to be sorted to shift the cli holding said card outward beyondsaid normal line. a

A machine of thee-lass -ilescrilied in- -iuding incombination, a seriesof clips ar ranged. along a line. means for-advancing and retractingsaid (lips, means 'for causing said clips in their retracted positionsto en-{ 1 'cards along a.l-ine,a'nd means controlled by perforationsinia card for shifting said clip laterally to throw selected cards outof line.

7. A machine of theclass described including in combination aclip, meansfor advancing and retracting said clip, means for causing said clip inits retracted position to engage a. card, means controlled byperforations in a card for shifting said clip outward in its advancemovement when said card is to be sorted and means for shifting said clipinward before its retractile movement. l

8. A machine of the class described in cluding incombination a clip,means'for ad vancing and retracting said clip, means for causing saidclip in its retracted position to engage a card, means acting at eachoperation to shift said clip outward to the normal line before anadvance movement and inward to the rear of said line before a re tra'ctile movement nd means controlled by perforations in a card to shiftsaid clip outward beyond said normal line.

9. A machine of the class described including in combination means forholding a card with its forward edge exposed, traveling grippers adaptedto grip such exposed edge and pull thecard to either of two determinedpoints, and means controlled by perforations in the card; fordetermining the point to which it is to be conveyed.

10. A machine of the'class described in- I cluding in combinationsorting pockets,

individual selector mechanism for each of a plurality of'said pocketsand positioned at said pockets, means-for advanc ng all .cards firsttoselecting position for the first of said pockets and then advancingthem in upright position in succession along a single line pastsuccessive selecting positions and pockets and means located at saidselecting positions for deflecting cards of appropriate classificationsdetected by the selector mechanism before reaching their sorting pocketsand causing them to enter said pockets.

11. A machine of the. class described including in combination sortingpockets, in-

dividual selectors for each of a plurality of said pockets, means foradvancing cards in upright position in succession in a single.

line past successive selecting positions and pocket-s, said SGIOCtOlSbeing located each in advance of a pocket, and means located at "eachselecting station for deflecting cards of appropriate classificationdetected by the selectors and causing them to enter the correspondingpocket.

12. A machine of the class described having a receiving. station anddelivering stations at substantially same level in combination withmeans for receiving cards and distributing them in upright position atsaid stations.

13. A machine of the class described having a series of sorting pocketsand mechanism for distributing the cards in said pockets in uprightposition, said pockets being open-topped and located at points clear ofsaid mechanism so that the cards can be readily inspected while in saidpockets and readily removed therefrom.

14. A machine of the class described including means for advancing cardsedgewise and means for distributing said cards, said advancing anddistributing means engaging only the forward edge; of the card andleaving the top and rear edge free so as to accommodate cards ofdifferent widths and heights or with tabs on their edges.

15. A machine of the class described including in combination a cli n arod' for opening and closingsaid clip and mechanlsm tor actuatingsaid-rod comprising a partthreaded thereon and 'rneans for cans ing arelative rotary movement. between said rod and said part threadedthereon.

16. A machine of the class described including incombination a clip F, arod R for opening and closing said clip and means for shifting said rodR longitudinally'comprising a nut engaging the same and an arm cforrotating said rod in said nut, a stop (5 in the path of said arm, aspring for pulling said arm in a direction to close the clip andv meansfor shifting said rod transversely to bring said arm against said stopin La direction to open the clipg -17. A machine of the class describedincluding in combination'a clip F, a rod R for opening and closing'saidclip and means for shifting said rod R longitudinally comarmc forrotating said rod in said nut, a

or approximately the stop (17in the path of said arm, a spring forpulling said arm in a direction to-close the clip and means for shiftingsaid rod transversely to bring said arm against said stop in'a directionto open the clip, and means for withdrawing said stop (Z during theforward movement of said clip.

18. A machine of the class described including a clip, means foropeningand closing the same. a shell N carrying said clip.

means for adjusting said shell laterally and means for .impositivelyholding said shell in its position of lateral adjustment.

19. A machine of the class described in 25. A machine of t'ieclassdescribed, including a clip, means for opening and eloseluding incombinatioii a set of feeling pins, ing the same, a shell N carryingsail clip, springs for operating the same and a resetmeans forreciprocating said shell 1 ngituter normally holding said pinsinoperative 5 d'inally of the machine and means operated against thestrain of said springs, meat s for 70 by the longitudinal movement forshifting causing a relative mivement between said said shell laterallyof the machine. pins and a perforated card and means for 20. A-machineof the class described, inwithdrawing said resatters as said pinsapcluding in combination, means for. gripping proach the perforations insaid cards and the forward edge of a card and pulling it promptlyrestoring said resctter to with 75 forward, a stop and means forinterposing draw the pins from the perforations in flhe said stop inadvance of the card toward the card.

end of a forward movement of the card to 26. A machine of ;he classdescri'lrierg, stop the same and hen withdrawing the eluding incombinatirna set of feeling pins,

stop to permit a succeeding forward movesprings for operating the sameand a reset- 3g ment. ter normally holding said pins inoperati'ac 21. Amachine of the class described inagainst the strain of said spri'n s,means-f eluding in combination longitudinally recausing a relativemovement etween sa ciprocating clips, a cam, a locking pawl pins and aperforate d card and means for holding said cam in operative position towithdrawing said reset-tars as said pins ap 5 deflect a clip outward onthe forward proach the perforatior in said cards and I movement of thelatter, and means actuated promptly restoring said resetter to with by aclip on its rearward movement for draw the pins from the perforations inthe throwing said cam into operative osition card,-and means for sortingout a card ren- 26 and actuated by a clip on its forwar d movederedoperativeby the entrance said, pins 9( ment for releasing said earn fromits lockinto said perforations and ren'iaining in oping pawl. I erativeposition aftethe with? wal'of t 1e 22. A machine of the class describedinpins.

eluding in combination longitudinally re 27. A machine of the clescribed in- 30 ciprocating clips, a cam 52, a locking pawl eluding incomhinatirm a. carrying 95 56 holding said cam in operative'position tofeeling pins, a fixed arm 4 t. m, a spring deflect a clip outward on theforward mo'vetending to cause said pins to enter perfoment of the latterand a plate 49 engaged rations in a card, a loose arm 38 on said by apart of a clip and swung backward shaft 39, a plate l'ieai'lng againstthe endof said loose arm aushaft 32 held from 10o cam 52 and throwingthe same into operarocking by said plate 35 when the latter is tiveposition, and means whereby the m0vein its outer position, said fixedarm 43 enment of said plate 49 when struck by a part gaging said loosellI'lTl 38 and tending to of a clip moving in an advancing directionthrow the latter int) inoperative position to '40 releases said cam 52from its locking pawl. permit the plate 35 to yield,- and sorting 23. Amachine of the class described inout mechanism restrained from operationeluding in combination longitudinally re throughsaidshaft 11-2 when thelatter is held ciprocating clips, a cam 52, a locking pawl from rockingby sa d plate 35.

56.holding said cam in operative position to 28. A machine 0'? the classdescribed, in-

45 deflect a clip outward on the forward moveeluding in combinationselecting mechament of the latter and a plate 49 engaged nisms, meansfor s itting a card to said by a part of a clip and swung backwardmechanisms in en :cessiop and wmeans for thereby and havinga -pin 51engaging said adjusting said me :hanisms to bring them cam 52 andthrowing the same into operainto register with different parts of said vr V 50 tive position, and means whereby the movecard. ment of saidplate- L9 when struck by apart 29. A machine (1' the class describedinof a-clip moving in an advancing direction eluding in combination awall, selecting releases said cam 52 from its locking pawl, mechanismscomp] ising feeling pins at in;

and'means controlled by perforations in-the tervalsf thereon. moans forfeeding the card 55 card for holding the locking pawl 56 inalong saidwall. and means for adjusting -12o operative or for releasing said pawlto perthe position of'sail wall so as to cause said v -mit it to engageand hold the cam 52. pins to register w:th different parts of the '24; Amachine of the class described incard. eluding aclip, means forreciprocating the 30. A machine of the class described'ii 00 same, ashouldered rocking cam 64 engaged eluding in combination a wall,selecting -by a part of said clip near the end of its mechanisms comprising feeling pins at inirearward movement and deflecting the cliptervals thereon, means for feeding a card w outward, and a cam. 65engaged by a part along said wall, a! d means for adjustingthe of saidclip near the end of its forward position ofsaid w ill so as tocausesaid' inn a a Ql movement and deflecting the clip inwardly. toregister with dilferent parts of the thereby and having a pin 51engaging said

